Djibouti

Saudi Arabia announced plans for a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect Red Sea shipping and energy routes from Houthi attacks. The coalition, which includes 43 countries and the European Union, aims to secure international trade and maritime interests in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden. Fourteen countries, including Turkey and Pakistan, supported the proposal, though Oman and the UAE did not.

A Biden-appointed federal judge blocked the termination of Ethiopian nationals' Temporary Protected Status (TPS) despite a Supreme Court ruling limiting lower courts' authority over such decisions. The judge, Brian Murphy, previously clashed with ICE by halting a deportation flight to South Sudan, stranding officers in Djibouti amid security risks.

A Biden-appointed federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the termination of Ethiopian nationals' Temporary Protected Status (TPS) despite a Supreme Court ruling limiting lower courts' authority over such decisions. The judge's order reignited criticism from the Department of Homeland Security, which accused him of 'mutiny' and referenced a prior incident where a deportation flight to South Sudan was rerouted, stranding ICE officers in Djibouti.

The US and China forces are guarding the Bab el-Mandeb oil chokepoint, which is a critical maritime lane. The Djibouti base cluster highlights its strategic importance, though rivals must keep it open without joint defense.

Djibouti and the EU signed a Status of Forces Agreement on 17 July 2026 to establish a legal framework for hosting EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, a defensive naval operation launched in February 2024 to protect freedom of navigation against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

A chemical tanker was boarded by an armed group off Yemen's coast, with the British military reporting the incident and suspecting Somali pirates. The vessel, en route to Somalia, issued a distress call, prompting a Korean naval vessel to assist. Recent attacks in the region include a suspected pirate incident near Yemen and an EU-Djibouti deal to strengthen Red Sea security against Houthi threats.

Germany is moving two naval ships to Djibouti to prepare for a potential mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz, which requires parliamentary approval. The ships, part of the EU's Aspides operation, aim to enhance regional security amid tensions involving Iran-backed Houthis and require international support and a stable political environment.

Yemen's Houthi rebel group has attacked commercial ships in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, disrupting global shipping routes between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The attacks, cited as protest against Israel's war in Gaza, have led to shipping diversions around Africa, causing supply chain delays and higher costs.

The US plans to reduce visa processing hubs in Africa from nearly 50 to 20, requiring citizens from non-hub countries to travel to approved sites, creating logistical and financial challenges. The move follows a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and follows prior visa restrictions under the Trump administration.

Djibouti has announced plans for Dangote and Ethiopia to construct pipelines to its port. The project aims to enhance infrastructure and facilitate trade through the strategic Red Sea location. This development represents significant investment in regional pipeline connectivity.

The U.S. is considering establishing a military base in Somaliland to counter Iran and Houthis in critical Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes. The move comes as tensions rise over control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping lane. The U.S. has existing bases in Djibouti but faces growing political friction there.

Presidential elections in Djibouti and Benin highlight the impact of exorbitant nomination fees on democracy. Alexis Mohamed, a former adviser to Djibouti's president Ismail Omar Guelleh, cannot run due to financial barriers and lack of security guarantees. Guelleh, the habitual winner, faces criticism for a ceremonial political system.

Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh secured an unprecedented sixth term with 97.8% of the vote, extending his 27-year rule. The election was boycotted by main opposition candidates, raising concerns about political representation.

Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh secured a sixth term with 97.81% of the vote in a peaceful election. The ruling family-led system, led by Guelleh since 1999, faces minimal opposition amid strategic foreign military bases and economic reliance on international partnerships.

Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh has won his sixth consecutive term in office, securing 97% of the vote according to official results. The election marks his 25th year in power since 1999.

Djibouti is holding presidential elections as long-time leader Ismail Omar Guelleh seeks a sixth term. The removal of the presidential age limit last year enabled Guelleh to run again despite his advanced age.

Djibouti's long-ruling leader, Ismail Omar Guelleh, is seeking a sixth term in office with no credible opposition candidates. The article highlights the lack of political competition in the country's elections.